An Interview With The Haitian Pop Artist, MONVELYNO!

Experimental, Haitian Pop Artist, Monvelyno is excited to share his new music video, “Enough.” This bold video addresses systemic issues of racism head on, alternating between shots of a peaceful, yet complex, New York City life as a person of color, and the harsh, race-based violence and disparity that occurs on a global level. “Enough” is a courageous and assertive in its message: Enough of the violence against people of color.

Monvelyno has been hard at work on his new album “Religion of Love,” and is ready to share his good-vibes-only, anti-hate attitude with the world. Religion of Love is set for release this Summer.

Monvelyno is socially conscious storyteller, blending genre lines and giving listeners a new, indigenous islander take on previously whitewashed Pop styles. In his upcoming album, Monvelyno steps beyond his native roots to deliver a powerful commentary on the seemingly unending racial injustice within our culture.

Monvelyno is a Haitian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, he grew up studying the traditional music of Haiti. After mastering the traditional styles of indigenous island music, Monvelyno left his native country to study jazz at Berklee College of Music. Shortly after, he decided to take his music career to the next level by moving to New York and working as a musician, backing up bands and artists while also pushing his own unique material to local clubs. In 2010, he released his debut album, Kouzen Azakamede which garnered much respect from the World Music community in New York. Monvelyno has since been refining his skills and building a loyal audience.

Monvelyno has made a lasting impression on the Global Music scene, producing many artists of different ethnicities and backgrounds, but is ready to step out from behind the scenes and into center stage with his new album Religion of Love. Monvelyno is ready and excited to fill his new role as an artist of the globe.

Find Monvelyno Online:

Facebook / Twitter / Website / Youtube / Instagram

Learn more about Monvelyno in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So where does this interview find you today? Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it?

The pleasure is mine! This interview finds me in my house and of course the secret track of the album R O L(Religion of Love) was playing in the background. 

How is 2017 treating you so far? Did you approach the start of this year any differently then you did last year?

2017 is a very different year for me. I am still navigating it, in terms of understanding it, I started it in very specific way, but I am still finding my way.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your first musical memory? Could you see yourself doing anything else today? If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing? 

When I was growing up I saw myself as a spiritual medium like my grandmother, but because I was always singing, my mom started to see the singer/musician/artist in me, which she always wanted to relate to. Yes, I recall a lot of musical memories every day. I am a painter/anthropologist so if I wasn’t busy making music, I would be in an office helping people, or on a canvas.

How do you think your sound and really who you are as an artist continues to be influenced by your Haitian background?

I always want to come up with a different sound and I think I got it. I am a humanitarian who would love to see the world in peace and free. Because Haiti is the creator of freedom, I always want to see a free world.

In July, you will be releasing your latest album, “Religion of Love” so I’d love to know what it was like putting this collection together? Where did the inspiration for it all come from?

The source of R O L (Religion of Love) inspiration come from the situation that we are in right now, and also by listening to Nina Simone, John Lennon, Bob Marley and so forth. It was quite an experience to be inspired about self love and social/racial justice. 

How creatively involved were you with the making on your video for “Enough”? Can you talk about making this bold video?

“Enough” was a journey by itself and that’s why the video is like a little trip in the Neighborhoods of New York city, so we can introduce the issues. It was quite a challenge to film in the streets, however we made it.

How do you think that you continue to grow as an artist with each song that you release? How do you think your sound has changed?

I think we grow through the things that we do. After each song that I produce, I realize I am a different artist after all. Because I love all kinds of music, that changes the sound of my album so much, which is amazing.

I’m curious to know more about the artists that you have produced for. Is this still something that you do?  

Yes, I still produce for a lot of different artists. Stay tuned- You will fall upon one of them one of these days.

Do you have plans to tour a lot with this record this summer? What venues would you love to play at one day? What has been your favorite place at so far?

I always dreamt of places like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln center, Madison Square Garden but I would love to do lots of festival this summer and go to these beautiful places.

What artists have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

Nina Simone and I would love to work with Stevie Wonder.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

Of course, I hope people always remember where they come from, be aware of where they’re at, and to be certain of where they’re going.